LCD characters go dim when I turn off debug!

[Bryang]

Hi all,
this one's had me stumped for a couple of nights now!!
I'm playing with an 18X on a Project Board, running a 2x16 LCD direct, running code similar to that used in the PICAXE Manual Sect.3-Interfacing Circuits - ie: using the wrchr & wrins sub-routines. I am getting a 0-5v input (from a vaccuum potentiometer)that I convert to an inches of Mercury figure that displays on the LCD. Works great, but...
when I run it with 'debug' active, all the characters are displayed perfectly, but naturally runs a fairly slow refresh, so then I deleted the debug command - now each character along the line gets progressively dimmer! First move was to change batteries - no difference. I but the 'debug' command back, and it's working perfectly again!!
can anyone offer an explanation?

 

[Technical]

Is the symptom actually removal of the serial cable, not the fact that you use debug or not . If so this implies a dodgy 0V rail connection somewhere between LCD and PICAXE board.

Or is your program refreshing the LCD so often that symbols are flickering? Try adding some pauses.

Edited by - Technical on 29/03/2006 11:08:54

 

[Bryang]

Thanks Technical...
I found hot caffine worked a treat! With a fresh pot of coffee on the go, I also realised that the LCD was simply refreshing too fast! I have tried various pause rates while I sipped my cuppa, and found 'Pause 100' solved the display dissapearing problem & still reacting fast enough for the changes I was hoping to see.
Now off to the next challenge